Lieutenant Commander David Taft attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a minor in Environmental Studies.

Lieutenant Commander Taft began his naval career at the Naval Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida where he was commissioned an Ensign. His initial sea tour was aboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) as 3rd Division Officer.Following Hull Swap 2000 in Sasebo, Japan Lieutenant Commander Taft returned to San Diego on USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) where he remained as the Auxiliaries Officer. His second division officer assignment was on USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57) where he served as Navigator.In October 2009, Lieutenant Commander Taft completed a department head tour as Chief Engineer on USS BENFOLD (DDG 65).Prior to joining Crew PERSISTENT, Lieutenant Commander Taft served as the Executive Officer in USS PATRIOT (MCM 7).

Lieutenant Commander Taft’s shore assignment was at Officer Training Command, Newport, Rhode Island where he served as Lead Class Officer, Navigation and Sea Power lead instructor, and Safety Officer.During his time ashore, Lieutenant Commander Taft completed his Joint Professional Military Education training at the Naval War College while earning his Master of Arts in Diplomacy from Norwich University.

His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and various service and campaign awards.

NEWS

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